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Guidolin appointed, gets final say on Swansea selection

Swansea have confirmed the appointment of Francesco Guidolin as the club’s head coach to work with Alan Curtis until the end of the season.

Guidolin has been brought in to work alongside interim manager Alan Curtis, with the club in the Barclays Premier League relegation zone ahead of Monday night’s home game against Watford.

Swansea say Guidolin will have the final say on team selection and the 60-year-old Italian will have a watching brief for the Watford game before taking on a hands-on role for the first time at Everton on Sunday.

“We are very pleased with the appointment,” Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins told the official club website. “His experience and knowledge will be a huge asset to the club.”

VIDEO: Watch our new Head Coach get acquainted with his new surroundings. Benvenuto, Francesco! ??
https://t.co/oY6Co4vfsm

“Although we recently appointed Alan Curtis as manager until the end of the campaign, he was aware and comfortable with the fact that we were still looking to bring someone in to assist if we found the right person.

“We believe we have found that person in Francesco. He has an excellent record, especially with Udinese over the last few years. He created an Udinese side from a relatively small budget – compared to the rest of the league – that competed with the big teams in Serie A.

“He instilled a belief and motivation to compete and beat the best Italy had to offer. It is similar to what this football club is trying to do in the Premier League.

“He also has a wealth of knowledge of players throughout Europe which will be a big boost on our recruitment side; something we have been reviewing in a lot more depth over the last few months.

“When the need arose to look for a new manager or head coach, those characteristics stood out from a number of other potential candidates, together with the enthusiasm he has shown to come in and help us turn our season around and retain our Premier League status.”

Swansea say that Guidolin and the club have agreed to review the position at the end of the season with the option of extending the contract.